Coleman’s Movers & Shakers — Sorrells, Ellison and Vrtachnik Join Acclivity Financial
September 28, 2017
Coleman’s Movers & Shakers — Sorrells, Ellison and Vrtachnik Join Acclivity Financial
By Bob Coleman
Editor, Movers & Shakers
Sorrells, Ellison and Vrtachnik Join Acclivity Financial
“This is an extremely exciting time for Acclivity Financial,” says Danny Preston, Chief Executive Officer. “With success comes growth and the need to expand operations. Yolanda, Denise and Ashton have decades of SBA experience, and they are just what Acclivity Financial needs as it continues its ascension up the SBA ranks.”
Denise Ellison, VP, Construction Loan Manager
Denise has eighteen years of banking experience with the past twelve focusing on small business lending. Her most recent role was SBA Construction Manager / SBA Underwriter for Simmons Bank. She also possesses significant experience as a Project Manager. Denise received her BBA in Finance from the University of Tennessee. Denise says, “I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Acclivity Financial. The team is dedicated to providing excellent customer service while taking care to preserve the SBA Guaranty. I’m pleased to be associated with this team of SBA professionals.”
Yolanda Vrtachnik, VP, Portfolio Manager
Yolanda comes to Acclivity Financial with twenty-eight years of banking experience. Twenty of those years have been in the SBA industry, primarily in portfolio management. She was most recently at Fidelity Bank for eleven years as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Yolanda received her BBA in Finance from Georgia State University. “Acclivity Financial is comprised of SBA professionals who truly function as a team. I am delighted to join their ranks and to contribute to the department’s success,” says Yolanda.
Ashton Sorrells, AVP, Project Manager
Ashton has been in the banking industry for eight years with seven devoted to SBA. She comes from Fidelity Bank as an AVP/Portfolio Manager. She has extensive SBA knowledge ranging from processing to portfolio management. Ashton received her A.A.S. in Banking and Finance. “The Acclivity Financial team shares the same common goals for successful small business lending. I’m blessed to be a part of the organization and its growth,” says Ashton.
Scott Birkner Joins Community Bank SBA Lending Division as Manager, Craft Beverage Lending
“With such a strong background in small business lending, Scott will be a dynamic addition to our SBA team and well positioned to grow the craft beverage vertical,” says Rich Bradshaw, president of Commercial Banking Solutions with United Community Bank. “He has comprehensive financing abilities to help customers with so many different needs, and has a true passion for supporting clients as they work to achieve their business goals.”
“I am excited to join the enthusiastic lenders at United Community Bank,” says Birkner. “I am committed to helping clients close their loans through hard work, partnerships and teamwork, and United Community Bank operates the same way. I look forward to supporting the growth of an exciting industry.”
Scott serves on the board of Charlotte Ducks Unlimited. In addition he is a member of the Carolina-Virginia Business Brokers Association, NC Craft Brewers Guild, American Craft Spirits Association and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.
Adam Sherman Joins Live Oak Bank Senior Care Lending Team
“With over a decade of experience in healthcare real estate, Adam has a long history of helping leaders in the senior care industry find business solutions,” says Kay Anderson, director of emerging markets at Live Oak Bank. “His perspective and expertise in this industry will be valuable assets to our team and our customers.”
“Live Oak has an unparalleled commitment to helping small business owners reach their full business potential,” says Adam. “I look forward to offering my knowledge and experience in the industry to help business owners develop financial plans that will allow them to improve seniors’ quality of life, whether by providing home care services or care in a place that feels like home.”
As the nation’s second largest SBA lender, Live Oak offers clients across the country financing options that meet their unique business needs. The senior care lending team is equipped to provide customers with loans that support facility expansion and renovation, ground-up construction, bridge and permanent debt, and business acquisition. During the next 5 years, it is estimated that the growing economy, an aging population, healthcare reform and new services will facilitate and stimulate industry growth.
Carleen Herring named president of the Region IV Development Association in Twin Falls
Carleen Herring has served in a number of capacities for Region IV since 1986.
The board carried out a nationwide search before selecting Carleen Herring, says Brent Tolman, board chair.
She will be responsible for overseeing all Region IV Development services including small business development, lending and servicing business loans, municipal project development and grant writing.
Upcoming SBA Lending Professional Industry Events
Lend360, October 11-13, Dallas
Commercial Loan Broker Conference & Expo, October 17-19, Orlando
NADCO Annual Meeting, October 17-20, San Antonio
NAGGL Annual Conference, October 30 – November 1, Colorado Springs
FLAGGL, November 13-15, Orlando
Restaurant Finance & Development Conference, November 15-17, Las Vegas
10th Annual 2017 SBA Secondary Market Summit, December 4-5, Washington D.C.
Coleman’s 2017 SBA Lending Awards, December 5, Washington D.C.
The SBIC Summit: Increased Profit, Improved Regulatory Compliance, December 6, 2017 Washington, DC
USDA Rural Development Lenders Meeting, December 7, 2017 Washington, DC
Southeastern Small Business Lenders Conference, March 7-9, Asheville